Chisholm says "there were a lot of lies printed" about her during the band's heyday, and tabloids often referred to her as "gobby" and "masculine." Inevitably, that prompted "questions about my sexuality."

(The singer, who welcomed daughter Scarlet in February 2009, identifies as straight. She has been dating property developer ThomasStarr since 2002.)

These days, Sporty Spice says she's in a much better place. "When I see Scarlet playing her toy guitar and singing along, it reminds me of my own childhood," Chisholm says. "My mum sang in a band and my stepdad played bass. There were always musicians in the house. It was a happy time."

Though Chisholm recently released her fifth solo album, she hinted the Spice Girls may reunite to perform at the 2012 Olympics in London.

"Our last tour was amazing," she says. "It rekindled old friendships and made me appreciate the other girls again. The Olympics would be brilliant, but I don't know the truth. I'd love to do something, but it would have to involve all five of us."